Category: Personal Development

God Centered Friendships

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to get together with a group of my high school friends. I keep in contact with two of them on a regular basis, but the others I hadn’t talked to in several years. It was a joy to be with them, and I’m sorry that I don’t work hard enough on maintaining my relationships with each of them.

Nonetheless, it was great just hanging out, sharing a meal and fond memories of times gone by. Of course, we’re all in middle age now, and our lives are not what they once were.

Lectio Divina

Earlier today, I gave a presentation on Lectio Divina to a group of schoolteachers. It was well received, so I thought I’d share it with you today. The art of Lectio Divina, Latin for divine reading might be new to you. At one time in the history of the Church, however, it was actually quite common. Then, lives became busy with many other things, and it was left to those in religious life, especially the monastic orders such as the Benedictines, to continue the practice.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Personal Development Prayer

Going It Alone

Yesterday morning, I got a little spiritual advice from a friend of mine. He pointed out that it seemed like when I’m not at my best, it’s because I’m trying to do it alone.

When you’re feeling down, or spiritually challenged, you need to have some friends to reach out to, and vice versa.

Of course, most of us know that, but how many are really working on those kinds of relationships? My guess is that, because we finds ourselves so busy, we’re not building those tight friendships that will sustain us over the long haul.

Inspiration Mind Personal Development Prayer

Hit The Switch

I was visiting a friend’s house recently, and picked up a book he had sitting on his desk. The Healing Light was written by Agnes Sanford.

I had some time on my hands and began flipping through the pages of this short book, which was written in 1947. In a nutshell, the author lays out the case for spiritual healing, and I was drawn in by the Sanford’s easy and free-flowing style of writing.

I’m not at the point I can recommend the book, but so far, so good. This morning, I was up early and read something that really struck me. I thought I’d share it with you, with the hope that all of us could flip the switch and tap into God’s power.

Inspiration Mind Personal Development Prayer

Overcoming Loneliness

“The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself.” Mark Twain

The topic of loneliness came up last night in my men’s group. It didn’t matter if the person was single or married, we all experience times of loneliness. In fact, a person can be surrounded by friends and family, and still have feelings of loneliness.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Personal Development

Put A Smile On Your Face

Yesterday, I was reading a daily meditation about joy. The meditation started with this Scripture passage,

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” (1 Peter 1:8)

The little reflection spoke about how we have to make a conscious effort to keep our joy.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Nutrition Personal Development Prayer

Taking Time For Yourself

I don’t know about you, but I really needed this three-day weekend. On Friday, I wasn’t feeling well and went to the doctor. After some tests, I found out I had a virus and was going to be sick for a while.

I had some vacation plans, and they went right out the window. I realized that if I was going to get better quickly, I needed to take it easy. I don’t know about you, but taking it easy doesn’t come naturally to me.

Inspiration Personal Development Prayer

Being Real

When I was leading a youth ministry group several years ago, I often talked to the teenagers about masks. Not literal masks, but rather more like identities.

If they would be going out with their friends, they’d put on one mask, but around their parents, they put on a different mask. Some had so many masks/identities, they would get overwhelmed trying to keep it all together.

My challenge to them was to be real. Be authentic. Not just some of the time, but all the time. Wearing masks and presenting ourselves differently all the time only leads to problems. But it’s not just teens who are guilty of this kind of behavior.

Inspiration Mind Personal Development

Maintenance Mode

I had a busy weekend, how about you? Over the last few weeks, I realized I had let a lot of general maintenance go, and things were looking pretty shabby.

I also realized that I had put some personal stuff go, and it was time to get things back in order. It was actually a fun process, and I am happy to report good results. 🙂

Whenever we let things go and stop maintaining them, we end up spending a whole lot more time and effort (and maybe money) than we needed to had we stayed on top of things. I’m sure you can relate…

Inspiration Personal Development Uncategorized

Something New, Part II

So, the Life Coach from Tony Robbins thought that I would make a great Life Coach. Of course, she also wanted to sell me several months worth of coaching through them.

Throughout the next several days, I couldn’t stop thinking about Life Coaching. I went to the library, did web searches, and talked to some of my friends and those I’ve mentored over the years. I got the thumbs up over and over. So many people told me that they thought it would be a perfect fit for me, since I’ve already been more or less doing life coaching for several years.